Strategic Sourcing & Category Manager
About the role
We are seeking a highly experienced Strategic Sourcing Manager with a strong foundation in strategic sourcing, contract management, and project execution, ideally within midstream operations. This role requires a customer centric, detail oriented leader with strong strategic and analytical capabilities.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute category management strategies for services and materials, aligning sourcing initiatives with business objectives and operational needs.
Apply a global sourcing perspective, identifying opportunities to standardize, aggregate demand, and leverage partnership-wide purchasing power.
Conduct market research and supplier analysis to understand cost drivers, supply risks, and industry trends impacting midstream operations.
Identify, evaluate, and implement cost savings, KPI improvements, and value creation opportunities through strategic sourcing initiatives.
Lead the full RFP lifecycle, including scope development, stakeholder alignment, supplier engagement, evaluation, and award recommendations.
Negotiate service agreements and supply contracts, balancing commercial value, risk mitigation, and operational requirements.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, acting as the lead negotiator and escalation point when needed.
Establish and manage long-term supplier agreements that drive performance, innovation, and cost efficiency.
Assess supplier capabilities, performance, and risk profiles, ensuring alignment with company standards.
Plan, manage, and execute sourcing projects in support of midstream operations, construction, and maintenance activities.
Develop detailed project timelines, milestones, and deliverables, ensuring completion on time and within scope.
Cook up, coordinate across Engineering, Operations, Construction, Legal, and Finance to drive alignment and execution.
Monitor progress and proactively address risks, constraints, and stakeholder concerns throughout project lifecycles.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of analysts and buyers, promoting accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Oversee high-volume service contract (work offer) execution and document control processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Conduct regular audits to ensure adherence to bidding, contracting, and procurement policies, reducing operational risk.
Identify and implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and best practices.
Analyze spend data, supplier utilization, and contract compliance to identify trends and optimization opportunities.
Monitor and report savings realization, contract performance, and KPIs to leadership.
Develop actionable insights and present recommendations to senior leadership in a clear and compelling manner.
Lead training and change management initiatives to drive adoption of sourcing strategies and preferred supplier programs.
Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements, timelines, and priorities.
Serve as a trusted advisor on sourcing, contracting, and supplier-related matters.
Effectively present strategies, results, and recommendations to leadership.
Communicate professionally and effectively with all levels of the organization and external partners.
Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting deadlines.
Demonstrate strong time management and ability to manage high volumes of data.
Operate effectively with minimal supervision while maintaining a high level of accountability.
Foster a collaborative team environment and adapt positively to change.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field/pipeline project management (or equivalent) experience.
Advance degree or certification is a plus.
Minimum of 8 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement of goods and services, and contracts management.
Demonstrated experience supporting midstream oil & gas operations, construction, or infrastructure projects & proven track record managing complex sourcing projects and supplier negotiations.
Deep understanding of category management principles and strategic sourcing methodologies.
Advanced negotiation and supplier management capabilities.
Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and data accuracy.
Ability to conduct independent research on materials, services, and market dynamics to inform sourcing decisions.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage high-volume, detail-oriented workstreams.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present to internal stakeholders.
Proven leadership experience managing and developing teams.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions.
Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and contract management tools.
Familiarity with midstream-related materials, services, and contracting structures.
Working knowledge of legal and commercial contract terms and risk mitigation practices.
Experience with document control, invoice processing, and compliance processes is preferred.
Highest level of detail orientation and organization, with a commitment to accuracy and quality.
Self-motivated and able to work effectively with minimal supervision.
Adaptable and capable of managing changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrates a global, strategic mindset with the ability to think beyond individual transactions to broader enterprise impact.